Jordan
One of the most important things to consider while trying to find the right college is finding the college that best fits your character. Different college's provide different atmospheres and each one has their own unique social and academic lifestyle. Try to find a school thats social and academic life best fits what you are looking for. Research what each college magnifies and try to get a grasp on the character and lifestyle of the college itself. If you appreciate the development and maturing of your faith along with your academics, then it would be a good idea to look at a religious affiliated college that can best help you integrate your beliefs with your academic growth. If your interests are in athletics or music then focus on researching what those departments or organizations are like at each college.
Once an individual makes a college choice it is important to make the most of ones college experience. Students often enjoy their college experience the most when they go out of their comfort zones and make new friends and experiences. College is a time for students to expand their knowledge along with the growth and development of their character.
Jennifer
When selecting a college, look for what suits you the best. Make sure it has the major you want and it will prepare you properly for the "real world". Consider the size and location of it - is it somewhere that you would fit in and enjoy? Do you feel like you are at home when you are on campus?
To make the most of your college experience once you're there, do what you love. Find the activities that interest you. Seek out people that enjoy the same things. Take classes that teach you want you actually want to learn. Build relationships with friends, roommates, professors, and outside community members. Get plugged in at a local church or volunteer in a local organization.
People say that college is the best time of your life. Don't let it slip by and not make it a memorable few years. It goes by quickly, so enjoy it while it lasts. Be safe , but don't forget to have fun and be a little spontaneous sometimes. You only have one life to live. Carpe diem.
Chelsea
I knew right away what college was right for me because I felt at home on my first visit. Don't settle for mediocre
Natalie
Get involved in something on campus!!
Lily
The best part about college is attaining life experiences. Get involved, be active, volunteer, study abroad. Don't go home every weekend and don't waste away your college years watching movies in your dorm. You'll regret it. Do everything you can, even if you don't especially like the school you end up in so that you can look back and say "wow, I really made the most of my college experience." College is a once in a lifetime experience when you enter as a young freshman and leave an (almost) adult, don't waste it away, and don't let yourself look back saying you wish you had done it differently. When you're choosing a college, make sure it has all kinds of options- academic and extra curricular- because you never know when you'll change your mind and desire a whole new path in life, make sure your college can accomodate that. My last words of advice; make sure you're ready. Don't go to college because it's "what your supposed to do." Explore other options and THEN go to college so you can take your studies seriously AND enjoy your life.
Abigail
Go to a school where you feel comfortable, where you've met friendly people, and that offers you cool opportunities. Even though you may not do all the things you initially plan to do, if you are attracted to a lot of things right away, it's a good sign that you will continue to find good things at that school. What's most important to you? Your major? Your volunteerism? Studying abroad? The dining hall? Dorm life? Getting into grad school? Getting good internships? Do you want to be in a city or the country? Know what you want out of college and find the one that fits YOU, just you. You will not only be happy with your opportunities, you will find like-minded people and make the best friends you'll ever have. Talk to professors and students, spend a night or two in the dorms. Go to a game or a play or a concert. College can be very hard and stressful, but if you're at the right one, you'll be okay. (Friendly student-centered faculty and outgoing students are always a good sign!) Good luck!
Paige
don't just pick a college for comfort, go with the one your gut tells you is right
Kevin
If I had to impart any wisdom to a student or the parents of a student who was looking for the right college I could tell them many things, but here I will only mention a few. First I would tell them to look at schools! You cannot look enough when you are deciding on college and the more you look at the more you know what you want. Dont visit one and then call it quits. See what is out there, then you will not be disappointed later. Parents, do not force your child to go to a certain school, let them choose on there own. The only thing worse than a bitter student is a bitter student who does not like where they are. The second thing would be to study abroad! It is the best thing you can do while in college. This experience will impact you more than you can even know, and it will contribute to your learning experience, and your resume. Finally, take advantage of all the programs and and assistance offered to you at your campus. Tutoring, career center and other programs are helpful and their to help you succeed!
Katelyn
Pray about it and go with your gut. Any school can look good on paper and a tour. The only way to know it is for you is to feel it.
Doug
Make the choice based on the best place to learn, not on money. If money is an issue, try a community college for a year or two. It's worth the extra debt if you are willing to try hard and learn. If you're not truly going to learn as much as you can, don't bother going to an expensive school (perhaps don't bother going at all). Make the most out of your college experience. Choose the college that you know you will love and be proud of. Choose an institution where you will be challenged to grow into the person you want to be. You might end up growing into someone you never thought you could be, someone more spectacular than you imagined. Reach for your goals, and don't make decisions based on everyone else. Do what you think is best for you. If a college doesn't feel right, don't try to force it. Challenge yourself and set reasonable goals. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Finally, have confidence in yourself.